Time to reflect.
Oct25200912:51 a.m.
Its almost 5 years to the DAY that I had a car accident. At the time I had absolutely no idea that it would prove to be the key to the most amazing 5 year journey of my life. In that 5 years I went from being a 50 year old, 28 stone, couch potato to a 55 year old, 13 stone, multiple marathon runner.
I made an amazing number of new friends, visited wonderful new places I had never been before, and on a 14 mile long hill in Athens came to understand, for the first time, exactly how deep and incredible my inner strength really is.
And that knowledge is now crucial to me, and gives me a confidence I would not have had before.
In the early part of the last 5 years (I can now look back and realise) I made so many changes of so fundamental a nature that it created a vacuum which I needed to fill with something to give me a purpose and stability.
‘Running’ stepped up and gave me that purpose.
But now running has been taken away from me by bone degeneration in my foot that was just a matter of time, it turns out, and that fits strangely, but comfortably, alongside the book having been a terrific process of realisation and reflection.
The coincidence of these two ‘full stops’ EXACTLY on the fifth anniversary of the car crash is surely the greatest serendipity.
I can now reflect that running has been part of the re-building process, and that it has now done its job and life is telling me in no uncertain terms that it is time to move on. I was adrift on a stormy sea, and running was the log that drifted by for me to cling to. But now it has got me safely to shore, so it is time to let go with thanks and move on.
The absolute joy of the current position, the unbelievable privilege, is that I am now standing on a deserted beach with the ability to walk on in ANY direction I want – buoyed up by the certain knowledge that I am prepared to take on whatever is ahead.
I am now totally content with the situation, and simply waiting for the right idea to pop up and take hold till it feels like the right thing to do.
But I HAVE taken one or two little decisions that help to clear the decks, and the mind.
I have realised, especially from the recent publicity around the book, that in far too many ways, and in far too many places, I am currently DEFINED as TISM, so it is now time to ‘retire’ that persona which was associated with the running, and a period of time which is now in the past.
It is now time to re-assert my true self – MIKE!!
So I am saying goodbye to TISM with a hug and a Thank You.
He was a great friend to me, but he is now consigned to the past.
Realbuzz has also been a great experience, but I really don’t like the changes, especially not the very latest changes – and by another strange coincidence they have conspired to lose the bulk of my subscriptions, meaning I have ‘lost touch’ with many of the wonderful folk I followed.
So along with TISM, Realbuzz is going to take a back seat for me while I find my bearings. I am NOT turning it off permanently, but will drop by again to update anyone interested when I know what I am doing and where I am doing it.
So it’s now Mike, looking forward, with an incredible lightness of spirit and sense of excitement again.
To all who followed my ramblings here I say a huge THANK YOU, and Au Revoir, NOT goodbye.
Learn from my experience that you should NEVER put off ANYTHING you want to achieve, because you never know what lies ahead to get in the way.
Embrace every chance to achieve something new, to meet new people, to see new places, to feel new experiences.
Don’t just Dream -
BELIEVE
and it WILL happen!!
Mike
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Comments (31)
shazzoah 'Bonjour Mike............pleased to meet you again..........' added 25th Oct 2009
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roddymacp 'That is probably as near perfect as you could get Mike. Fare ye well my friend and enjoy your new life. Perhaps our paths will cross again soon-------Rod.' added 25th Oct 2009
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philk 'Mike, we didn't talk much after our first few conversations when I tried to lose a lot weight (sadly still trying) but I did keep up with your blogs. I wish you well and thanks for the advice you did send my way. philk' added 25th Oct 2009
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tinabee 'Some deep reflections there. I read an inspirational story in RW about people who had been told they shouldn't or would never run again - never say never seems to be the moral of their stories. But whatever you do I hope you find a new and exciting path and look forward to hearing about it by whatever medium you decide to use.' added 25th Oct 2009
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eclipse 'Mike, it realy does sorrow me that things have had to take this turn for you just when all was going so well, I know that part of my future has been influenced by you and the changes you made. I hope one day you will get to see me write a report saying I have done a marathon or completed the MDS and you can then take solitude in the fact the your exploits didnt only effect your life but also others around you. Take care. Tel' added 25th Oct 2009
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Geoff_rb 'Very best wishes for whatever the future brings Mike. And you know where I am if you're ever passing through York, and in need of a swift half...' added 25th Oct 2009
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harrietemma 'Came on to see your post and horrified to see the new changes and to have lost nearly all my own subscriptions so for the first time not arguing with someone edging away from realbuzz. So pleased to hear the positive tone - you have so much to do, to achieve and to offer, maybe it just isn't clear what it is yet! You will continue to be an inspiration to me x' added 25th Oct 2009
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Dan 'Your subscriptions are actually still there but we are working on a the best way of displaying them to you as a collection of titles so to speak. You are updated in the subscriptions window if you click on subscriptions at the top right so you'll see when someone updates something that you are subscribed to. ' added 25th Oct 2009
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Ally_R 'Hi Mike, just catching up with a couple of weeks blogs and I'm so sorry to hear your news. Nonetheless as you recognise very positively, it is time to move forward - so take care and best wishes to you.' added 25th Oct 2009
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superrunningmummy 'You sound like you have found some inner peace that has given you strenght. I am very proud to call you my friend and wish you all the best. I know this is not goodbye. Keep on Smiling Mike!!!' added 25th Oct 2009
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superrunningmummy 'You sound like you have found some inner peace that has given you strenght. I am very proud to call you my friend and wish you all the best. I know this is not goodbye. Keep on Smiling Mike!!!' added 25th Oct 2009
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peterb 'been away for a week Mike , so just catching up.Wish you the best in all that you do in the future , you have been an inspiration to lots of people on here And the next time your in Lynn, drop in for a cupa Hope you still keep in touch .' added 25th Oct 2009
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emmteeyess 'I was going to say NO, NO, NO! - but you are the one that knows yourself best and if you feel you've reached a new shore then so be it. Keep checking back on us and if the site settles down to a tolerable level then put some ramblings on to keep us up to speed with Mike's journey - you know they don't have to be running ones! It's been a privelege knowing you - Cheers, MTS' added 25th Oct 2009
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Way_Too_Slow 'The end of an era!! It's been a pleasure and a privilege to follow your "ramblings" and to meet you (every so briefly) at the GNR this year. Take care Mike, keep in touch, and if you are ever near Maidenhead give me a yell.' added 25th Oct 2009
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Skye_Trekker 'Will be looking forward to seeing where the journey from the beach takes you..! Look after yourself.' added 25th Oct 2009
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Kitten 'Oh dear, saddened to read this post, we just never know where life's paths will take us do we? It is however pleasant to read that you sound so positive and excited about your future :) A huge thank you from me for all your continued support over the last few years on here, I am less active as a lot of the original peeps seem to have dropped the ball, so sad TFO has left too :( but I will always be part of this special community and will look forward to any updates you may choose to put on - it's not just about the running, such a blow for you though it is, I don't doubt you'll find something else just as exciting to embark on, maybe cycling, such a tremendous sport! so for now - take care, thank you and Au Revoir .... for now ;) ' added 25th Oct 2009
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kizzi10000 'WOW! What a fantastic blog! Ther'es nothing I can say really, except that I'm glad you've worked your way through the current hiccup and come out with a hugely positive, uplifting and motivating attitude. Need to go and find a tissue now x' added 25th Oct 2009
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kraftykat 'What can I say Mike? That last post quite upset me and I am still crying and have a lump in my throat while I write this. I can totally understand that you feel that it is now time to move on, but I am really going to miss you on here. I have so enjoyed reading all your blogs and following your progress and am now enjoying your book (just got up to the GNR bit). I am so glad that you can now move on and look forward to the next chapter in your life, whatever that may bring! A massive THANK YOU for all your comments, advice and support. Please keep your promise to drop in occasionally and let us know how you're doing! All the best Mike, love Alison x' added 25th Oct 2009
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Johnf 'Mike, having followed your blog for sometime, and read your book, I am not surprised by what you have said here. Realbuzz join the club of companies like Thomas Cook etc because of their customer service. And as somebody not lacking in confidence to take on a challenge I am sure we will see Mike Hare back pushing some personal boundaries in another way fairly soon. Good luck.' added 26th Oct 2009
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Johnf 'Mike, having followed your blog for sometime, and read your book, I am not surprised by what you have said here. Realbuzz join the club of companies like Thomas Cook etc because of their customer service. And as somebody not lacking in confidence to take on a challenge I am sure we will see Mike Hare back pushing some personal boundaries in another way fairly soon. Good luck.' added 26th Oct 2009
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Hat 'Mike, lots of luck and happiness in whatever path you choose to follow next - you've inspired and motivated so many people with your extraordinary personal journey and I have no doubt that you will continue to do so, wherever you go and whatever you choose to do next. I can't imagine you won't be challenging yourself in some other area of your life shortly....Keep us posted! x' added 26th Oct 2009
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Strawbs 'I've only met you a couple of times Mike, but you are a great inspiration. It is thanks to you that I have again put on my running shoes and am able to take the bad runs alongside the good. I know that whatever you set your mind to, you will achieve. You truly are one of life's real champions and I'm proud to have the chance to know you.' added 26th Oct 2009
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man_in_the_stand 'You have been on a amazing journey over the past 5 years and have been an inspiration to lots of people. It is a honour to call you a friend. Goodbye TISM and Hello Mike. Don't forget to keep in touch' added 26th Oct 2009
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Lackadaisical_Plodder 'Mike, i want to cry....... still at least were facebook buddies, so i can harrass you on there - Suzanne x' added 26th Oct 2009
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philip_owen 'Hi Mike, if you see TISM would you thank him from me for being a great friend and insperation to me (and many others) over the past few years. I do understand why he has to go away for a while(maybe a long while) but he will never be forgotten. As for you, Mike, wish you all the very best on your new journey. Please do not be a stranger and feel free to pop in for a chat (either in cyberspace or on terra firma) anytime. Also when the sequel to your book comes out please let me know. Finally keep smiling :-), and take care. Phil and the family' added 26th Oct 2009
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judith 'Good luck in the future Mike. What ever it holds. I am currently reading you book and it is an eye opener and so honest. I tought about you yesterday when I was completing my first marathon. The 'don't just dream - BELIEVE' came into my head at 18 miles when I was struggling a bit. I believed and I finished at a slow time of 6 hrs 32 but I beleived in me and I did it. I've learnt alot about myself durng the training and the run itself. You have to believe you can achieve what you want to actually do it. Well done to you and I hope this is not the last we ever here from you. Take care x' added 27th Oct 2009
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jamieB 'All the very best - I know you sent me the PM but I got a wiff of this a while back at AP - Sure you'll be back one day but all the best to you all the same...' added 27th Oct 2009
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cath_b 'sorry to hear that you can no longer run. All the best for the future Mike. ' added 29th Oct 2009
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andy_bee 'Hey - I know you are being very positive about this and that's the perfect way to think, and an example to us all. You've achieved a massive amount of things in the TISM vest and underwear over the past five years. Keep them, as you might need them for a Christmas Special (I am mixing my superman and Dr Who analogies), but otherwise, be happy and proud, and enjoy looking forward as the new Mike. See you soon hopefully. Andy' added 29th Oct 2009
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Alaistair 'Anything is possible BECAUSE WE do really BELIEVE. My journey kicked off with you so have always followed your challenges with interest. Was there at the first GNR..... Kinda appreciated you being Mike rather than TISM, was always a struggle being Alaistair in plain view.....' added 15th Nov 2009
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Alaistair 'So Mike is coming back when?' added 27th Nov 2009
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